Global Category Lead Buyer – Transportation/Warehousing

Process Role Description:

• Design and execute sourcing strategies within the category to optimize cost, to avoid cost increase, optimize lead times, working capital, payment terms, and spend transparency.
• Collect and analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities, provide insights, and support decision-making.
• Initiating and executing a transparent tendering process, including sourcing for potential long list supplier
• Manage preparation and maintenance of Request for Information, Request for Quotes, and Request for Proposals through delivery and project completion.
• Performing supplier evaluation, analysis, and qualification process
• Monitor contract timelines, drive supplier negotiations, and ensure the implementation of centrally determined policies and framework agreements within assigned categories.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to deliver high-quality services and products.
• Ensure service level agreements are met and maintained.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and along with spot purchases and agreements as relevant.
• Establish and maintain proactive communication with internal stakeholders to identify cost saving opportunities.
• Establish and maintain proactive communication with relevant buyers for other categories to align category strategies and to ensure knowledge sharing. Proactively resolve issues relating to risk, schedule, total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Ensure compliance with respective company policies, SOP Procurement as well as METRO Compliance Policies and support (educate) others on procurement policies and procedures.
• Support the vision and mission of the company and its procurement department
• Development of an efficient and powerful European supplier portfolio.
• Maintenance of a selected tool for conditions and contracts (SAP MDMS+) and ensuring access from the entities

Join METRO Global Solution Center – where global impact meets innovation!

At METRO GSC, we don’t just support the business – we shape it. As we expand our scope beyond accounting, we’re transforming central corporate functions for METRO.

As a proud member of the METRO/MAKRO family, with over 93,000 employees across more than 30 countries – primarily in Europe and Asia – we create solutions that matter. Our diverse, international community thrives on collaboration, continuous growth, and making a measurable difference. If you’re ready to co-create the future of a truly global business – this is where your impact starts.

Purpose of Job:

Global Category Lead Buyer plays a key role in supporting the execution of procurement activities across specific sourcing categories. The role focuses on managing supplier relationships, conducting tenders, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, and contributing to the implementation of category strategies. Working closely with internal stakeholders, the Global Category Lead Buyer helps identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize supplier performance, and maintain procurement processes efficiently.

We are looking for team players that want to be part of a dynamic global team in creating a powerful procurement practice at METRO.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with concentration in procurement, supply chain, engineering, business administration, and/or related fields, or analogue basic education with further training/education with corresponding level of knowledge
• English skills at business level (written and spoken) is a must, any additional language is an advantage (Spanish, French, Italian, Slavic Languages, Turkish). 
• Min 2-3 years of experience in sourcing/buying of indirect categories or related
• In-depth knowledge of own category and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of elements and context of other categories.
• Deep market- and industry- knowledge, also beyond own subject area.
• Professional in handling of MS-Office-applications, very quick comprehension of other IT programs
• Readiness to travel for business purposes?
• Excellent understanding of tender process and various tendering methods

We provide:

• Stable employment in an international corporation that is constantly growing
• Opportunity to contribute to global projects that have a real impact across the entire organization
• Work in a diverse, multicultural and engaged team
• The chance to expand your knowledge and gain experience in various areas
• Private medical care and group insurance, also available for family members
• Cash benefits as part of the Social Benefits Fund, e.g., a Christmas allowance
• Co-financed sports card
• Team and company integration events after hours
• Hybrid work opportunities